> It was quite eloquent. I disagree with a lot of it, but it was quite eloquent
> nonetheless. However, don't stop there... please do tell us how you *really*
> feel.
>
> <g>
>
> If you want to know what I disagreed with -- because I am sure it seems
> luminously true to you -- it's the underlying assumption that when God is
> working in your life this must necessarily result in circumstances that are
> comfortable for you. But perhaps that is an insight that does not apply in
> your life. I am not trying to be sarcastic -- just stating the point of
> disagreement as neutrally as I can.
>
> Still.... 9.3 for artistic merit.
>
> Dana
Thanks. BTW, for those who are interested, I've been here for a while - 5 years
I think.
One thing that I think many are having problems with is (when they think of
Christianity) that they think I blame other's problems on their lack of a
relationship with God. It is true that I beleive that God's hand is guiding me
helping me find my direction in life. After all, if He doesn't do that, why
even believe? However, there are many people who are more materially successful
than I am. I find that my own definition of success in life is based on
happiness, and my happiness is composed of three things:
1) At least enough to materially satisfied and secure, although not so much as
to be a waste or selfish
2) A secure understanding of the love that exists for me and for me to love
others
3) A Divine Providence and chance to get to Heaven in the afterlife
My belief is that I should base my life on the Word of God based on the
Bible. Given that, I didn't make up what the Bible says, and I'm not going to
apologize for it either. I like organized religion because it's a place where
people come together to love each other and the Lord.
Often, people get this idea that I'm a holy roller, which is just plain
wrong.I know that evolution exists. But I also argue for somebody's right to
believe in Intelligent Design because it's a constitutional right as well as a
Biblically-based idea. The same goes for optional Biblically-based classes. If
someone wants to have a class on the Flying Spaghetti Monster, let's include
that as well. I think judges and many here don't even understand that the
second part of establishment clause is "or prohibiting the free exercise
thereof." That's absolutely as important as the first part - which says only
that CONGRESS shouldn't make any LAWS respecting a national religion. Nothing
about a separation of church and state, nothing about a wall. That's a more
modern interpretation, but not any more valid than one made today under a
totally conservative Supreme Court because the framers themselves aren't here
to tell us what it means.
I think that a problem many have with religion is that they find themselves
"not worthy" - not that they aren't, or that Church-goers tell them so, but
they feel they can't uphold the tenets of Christianity so they reject it
outright. I used to do that until I decided that I wanted in the club. It's
worked out for me just fine. I have some really great friends and I met my
wife through this. We keep God at the center of our lives and it works for us.
As far as the sexism goes, like I said, I didn't write this. But through
my own experience, I understand that phyiological differences in men and women
make MOST of them behave with a certain pattern - that is, men screw women, are
more dominant, and are the bread winners. I know that teachings in the Bible
are meant to help you work within the boundaries of what you've been given
rather than fighting against them and ending up misunderstood and unable to
function in a society which does follow these boundaries. I think given the
differences in the outlook on life between myself and Issac, most would say my
way is working a little better.
In any case, I've never attempted to force my beliefs on anybody, but I'd
say that they opposite has absolutely been true - most secularists cannot stand
the inclusion of religion, and therefore try to disassociate it from
everything. Hence "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas". You know
Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ. If you don't believe, don't
celebrate. Or celebrate and tolerate. It's your choice.
Maybe some think I'm stupid for believing, but hey, if I can live a nice
life and get to go to Heaven afterward, what's wrong with that?
- Matt
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